blackstrap Posted October 30, 2012 Posted October 30, 2012 After reading some posts in a focused discussion I began to think about POWER.Currently in my mortal state I have the power to utilize my body in any way I see fit. I can use an ax to split wood or break a window or kill a man. That power can be restricted by nature(illness) or man or society but unless so restricted it remains mine. Faith endows power as does the priesthood but is that power mine to exercise as I will ? No. Could I ever get to the point in this life where it would be? Are we always to be just a conduit for heavenly power,subject to the will of God until we are exalted?
sdc999 Posted October 30, 2012 Posted October 30, 2012 I think some guys with "priesthood power" misinterpret their abilities just as a teenage boy thinks he has the ability to be a race car driver just because he has a license. Had a branch president once who placed his hands upon the head of his 'in labor' daughter-in-law who was convinced to have her first baby at home with a midwife. His wife had done the same several times. As things turned complicated, his reassuring blessing resulted in a great delay for needed care and a last second desperate rush to the hospital, which unfortunately, was not in time to save the baby.
Hamba Tuhan Posted October 30, 2012 Posted October 30, 2012 Faith endows power as does the priesthood but is that power mine to exercise as I will ? No. Could I ever get to the point in this life where it would be?I think the answer is in Helaman 10:5: 'And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will'.
Ahab Posted October 30, 2012 Posted October 30, 2012 After reading some posts in a focused discussion I began to think about POWER.Currently in my mortal state I have the power to utilize my body in any way I see fit. I can use an ax to split wood or break a window or kill a man. That power can be restricted by nature(illness) or man or society but unless so restricted it remains mine. Faith endows power as does the priesthood but is that power mine to exercise as I will ? No. Could I ever get to the point in this life where it would be? Are we always to be just a conduit for heavenly power,subject to the will of God until we are exalted?Faith is an assurance which helps you to feel sure about something, so saying "faith (from God) endows power" implies you have received an assurance from God who is letting you know you have the power to do something. Priesthood is power, the power of God.Now, as to the question of what faith (from God) empowers you to do? Whatever God assures you you can do. Can you exercise the power of God according to your own will? It depends on what your will is. Could you ever get to the point where your will is not the will of God? Sure, but you can also get to the point where your will is also the will of God, and his yours.Are we always to be just a conduit for heavenly power, subject to the will of God until we are exalted? It depends on your will and whether or not your will and the will of God are in harmony.
Recommended Posts